DHL cargo plane crashes in Gabon, no fatalities

A cargo plane belonging to DHL Express crashed in the sea off the African nation of Gabon on late Monday morning, the company said, but there were no fatalities.

The Antonov An-26 freighter was operated by Solenta Aviation Gabon, which operates aircraft on regional routes on behalf of DHL Aviation. The accident happened at around 10.30 a.m. local time when the aircraft crashed just off the coast of Libreville, the capital of Gabon.

“All individuals on board escaped serious injury and there was no cargo on board,” Deutsche Post DHL spokeswoman Bea Garcia said. “There was crew and a few other personnel on board. [I] don’t have a specific number right now.”

Local media reported that four people were on board the aircraft and were transported to a local hospital after being rescued from the water. The aircraft was reportedly coming from Port Gentil, the second-largest city of Gabon.

It was not immediately clear what caused the accident. “Solenta Aviation Gabon and DHL are cooperating with the Gabon CAA in its investigation into the incident,” Garcia said.

In June 2004, a Gabon Express passenger plane carrying 30 people also crashed off Libreville, killing 19 people.